Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 11759Rape and sexual assault · Co. Dublin

Richard O’Brien appeals conviction for sexual abuse of sisters, niece and daughters

Richard O’Brien, convicted by a jury in 2023 of 63 counts of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault against five family members, is appealing his conviction. He argues the victims should not have been allowed to give evidence by video link, and the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court17 Dec
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe abuse of his sisters and niece occurred at the family home on O’Moore Road, Ballyfermot. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe offences were committed on dates between 1975 and 2011. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeO’Brien denied all the offences. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtO’Brien is seeking to have his conviction overturned. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtA jury convicted O’Brien of 63 counts of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault against five victims. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe defence argued there was a risk of unfairness in allowing the victims to give evidence by video link. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe Central Criminal Court heard that the abuse of the sisters and niece continued until each ran away as a teenager. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe judge reserved judgment on the appeal, to be delivered on Thursday. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceO’Brien was sentenced to life in prison in May 2023. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 17 Dec2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, first report
    Man who raped sisters, daughters and niece appeals conviction over victims giving evidence via video link

    Reports the appeal against conviction, which centres on the use of video-link evidence and an argument about the sufficiency of the rape counts. Judgment was reserved and due to be delivered on Thursday.

    convicted, Richard O'Brien, 64, male, named, irish (judged from name)Richard O'Brienvictim, Theresa, female, irish (judged from name)Theresavictim, Anne, female, irish (judged from name)Annevictim, Mary, female, irish (judged from name)Maryvictim, Sonya, female, irish (judged from name)Sonyavictim, Agnes, irish (judged from name)Agnes